Walking/Public Transit Tour

Take a break from the hectic and demanding obligations of the secular holiday season! Rekindle your spirit and nourish the soul with Hometown History Tours as we go inside some of the most historic and awe-inspiring churches in our region built to pay homage to Jesus Christ, the Christian savior whose birth is celebrated at Christmas.

Meditate, pray, light a candle, or listen as church historians reveal the vibrant history of the their respective churches and their role in Monroe’s story. From educating young women to advocating for justice the churches played important roles in the region’s history and continue in this tradition today.

Docents will point out magnificent examples of religious art. Tiffany stained glass windows, marble statues, detailed wood carvings and mosaics are just a sampling of the fine works of art painstaking created by 19th and early 20th century artisans. Built during times of economic prosperity, and often in stages, these local and historic religious treasures rival their European counterparts.

Our historic church tour is open to everyone – there is no proselytizing! In fact, you don’t have to be Christian – or practice any religion – to appreciate and enjoy the awesome and iconic art and architecture of bygone eras found within these living history landmarks.

Although we utilize Lake Erie Transit for a leg of our tour, the Reason for the Season Historic Monroe Church Tour is primarily a walking tour. This enables us to check out other historic churches, buildings and quaint shops along the way. Therefore, bundle up – it may be cold outside – and enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful and historic city decked out in its holiday finest.

Monroe Churches on Tour

The Reason for the Season Historic Monroe Church Tourmeets promptly at noon outside the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (511 S Monroe, Monroe 48161. Parking available on side streets). Other churches on the tour include: Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Chapel, Trinity Episcopal Church, First Presbyterian Church, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and St. Michael the Archangel Church. End time of tour is approximately 4 p.m.

Although not tax deductible, your ticket purchase directly benefits all participating churches so that they can continue to preserve these historic sanctuaries and perform outreach activities that aid those in need.